Archives for November 2019
Canon requests removal of toner cartridges offered by Eurotone e.K. via Amazon
Canon obtains Preliminary Injunction against HST Handels GmbH and its Managing Director
ON Semi Sensors in Bad Weather
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ON Semi promotional video talks about its image sensor operation in inclement weather conditions:Himax Presents Q3 2019 Results
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GlobeNewswire: Himax announces its Q3 2019 results and related investors presentation:"On CMOS image sensor business update. CMOS image sensor is another critical part of the WiseEye 2.0 NB solution I just mentioned. To support the lean camera design and high-quality image needed for laptops with thin bezels, we have made a 2-in-1 sensor that offers the duo capabilities of high quality HD image capturing and ultra-low-power, low resolution visual sensing in one single sensor, the industry’s first with the innovative design.
With this sensor, laptop makers can simplify their next generation product design and save costs by eliminating the need for an additional camera in their effort to offer context awareness for better user experience. In addition, our sensor has incorporated an RGBIR design to enable Windows Hello facial recognition. The new CMOS sensor will be available by the end of 2019.
For the traditional human vision segments, we see strong demand in notebooks, where we are one of the market leaders, and increased shipments for multimedia applications such as car recorders, surveillance, drones, home appliances, and consumer electronics, among others. Additionally, we have seen increased shipments and new design-wins in the automotive segment covering before-market solutions such as surround view and rearview camera.
Next on WiseEye, our AI-based ultra-low power smart sensing solution. The demand for battery-powered smart device with AI intelligent sensing is rapidly growing. Our total solution is built on Emza’s unique AI-based algorithm, on top of Himax’s proprietary computer vision processor and CMOS image sensor, all equipped with ultra-low power design. Currently laptop is the market of focus. Himax WiseEye 2.0 NB solution provides a ‘laptop-ready’ 3-in-1 RGB/IR/AI solution, respecting privacy while enhancing security for notebook users. The prototype we announced during Computex 2019 has been well received by leading CPU platform providers and laptop end customers who are now actively evaluating the technology. We are expected to demo the mass production version on laptops at the 2020 CES."
Canon celebrates 50th anniversary of lens employing synthetic fluorite
SPW 2019 Materials
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Single Photon Workshop held in Politecnico di Milano, Italy, on Oct 21-25, 2019 publishes a book of its extended abstracts. Just a few of the interesting materials from the book:Towards General-Purpose Passive Imaging with Single-Photon Sensors by Atul Ingle, Andreas Velten, Mohit Gupta, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA:
Quanta Image Sensor Progress by Jiaju Ma, Stanley Chan, and Eric R. Fossum, Gigajot Technology Corporation, Pasadena, CA, USA:
CMOS-SPAD arrays for Quantum Imaging Applications by L. Gasparini, M. Zarghami, M. Perenzoni, L. Parmesan, M. M. Garcia, V. Mitev, L. Balet, N. Torcheboeuf, D. Boiko, M. Unternährer, B. Bessire, A. Stefanov from Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy, CSEM, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, and Institute of Applied Physics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
A Novel Approach to High Dynamic Range Imaging with CMOS-SPADs by Majid Zarghami, Leonardo Gasparini, Matteo Perenzoni, and Lucio Pancheri from Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), Center for Material and Microsystems (CMM), Trento, Italy, and Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy:
Digitimes Compares Sony and Samsung Approaches
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Digitimes Research: Sony and Samsung use different approaches in CIS competition:- Sony leverages the success of its 48MP sensors for smartphones and beats on integration of AI functionality onto the sensor
- Samsung is trying to leapfrog Sony with 108MP smartphone chips and uses better process scaling capability to achieve higher pixel density
- Sony controls 50% of CIS market
- Smartphone CIS account for 60% of the market
- Automotive CIS grow at a CAGR of 29.7% from 2019-2023
Canon requests removal of toner cartridges offered by Tonerworld Aus from Amazon Australia
Canon requests removal of toner cartridges offered by ExtraPrint from Amazon Australia
Canon requests removal of toner cartridges offered by E-toner from Amazon Australia
Consumer Camera Sensors Comparison
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MDPI publishes a paper "Photographic Noise Performance Measures Based on RAW Files Analysis of Consumer Cameras" by by Jorge Igual from Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain."Photography is being benefited from the huge improvement in CMOS image sensors. New cameras extend the dynamic range allowing photographers to take photos with a higher quality than they could imagine one decade ago. However, the existence of different technologies make more complicated the photographic analysis of how to determine the optimal camera exposure settings. In this paper, we analyze how the different noise models are translated to different signal to noise SNR curve patterns and which factors are relevant. In particular, we discuss profoundly the relationships between exposure settings (shutter speed, aperture and ISO). Since a fair comparison between cameras can be tricky because of different pixel size, sensor format or ISO scale definition, we explain how the pixel analysis of a camera can be translated to a more helpful universal photographic noise measure based on human perception and common photography rules. We analyze the RAW files of different camera models and show how the noise performance analysis (SNR and dynamic range) interact with photographer’s requirements."
Samyang AF 35mm f1.4 FE review
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The Samyang AF 35mm f1.4 FE is a mild wide-angle prime lens for Sony's Alpha mirrorless cameras. Announced in 2017, it offers a bright aperture with autofocus and is priced below the Sony FE 35mm f1.4 ZA, FE 35mm f1.8 or even the FE 35mm f2.8 ZA. Find out why the Samyang left Thomas with mixed impressions but still earned a recommended in his full review!…
The post Samyang AF 35mm f1.4 FE review appeared first on Cameralabs.
Axcelis Talks about 12MeV Ion Implanter for Image Sensors
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Axcelis Q3 earnings call mentions 12MeV implanter for image sensors:"The ...high energy product targets the most advanced image sensors. A Purion XE Max incorporates our new proprietary beam technology to deliver energy in excess of 12 MeV as well as the industry's lowest metal contamination.
The ...areas that are driving growth in mature process technology are image sensors and also power devices. Those segments for us remain very strong as customers come online with additional capacity.
During the third quarter, memory accounted for just 14% of our shipments, with the majority of shipments, 86% going to mature foundry/logic customers, particularly those manufacturing power devices and image sensors.
We expect revenues in Q4 to rebound due to increasing activity in China and continued investment by mature foundry/logic customers, particularly those with an emphasis on image sensors and power devices.
So as the new products are high energy implanters, the high energy market has been increasing as a result of demand for multiple high energy implant steps in image sensor and power device applications. This segment now accounts for 30% of the implant TAM."
Axcelis and Omnivision white paper shows quite deep doping profiles even with the older generation of their high energy implanters:
Goodix Under-Display Fingerprint Sensor Reverse Engineering
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SystemPlus Consulting publishes reverse engineering report on the "Latest cost-optimized optical fingerprint sensor in Huawei P30 Pro smartphone.""Synaptics launched the first optical fingerprint scanner on the market in 2018, with a lens-free solution. It was quickly followed by Goodix, also with a lens-free solution. This year, Goodix has launched its second generation optical fingerprint scanner, the first such product to use a lens.
The latest Goodix under-display optical fingerprint scanner has been found in Huawei P30 and P30 Pro, Vivo X23 and NEX S and other smartphones.
This scanner uses optical fingerprint technology that allows integration under the display. The new Goodix technology is radically different from those previously observed. Adding lenses reduces the pixel and CMOS image sensor die areas drastically, while keeping the same scanning area. The sensor die area and cost are much reduced.
The sensor has a resolution of 39,000 pixels, with a pixel density of 5,080ppi. The module’s light source is provided by the OLED display. The sensor is connected by wire bonding to the flexible printed circuit and uses a CMOS process."
Samsung Registers Trademark for Its Event Driven Sensors
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Letsgodigital noticed Samsung filing for "ISOCELL Motion" trademark in Europe:"Dynamic Vision Sensor (DVS); vision sensors; motion detecting sensors; object detecting sensors; automotive dynamic Vision Sensor (DVS) for object and motion detection; software for operating dynamic Vision Sensor (DVS);"
Facial Recognition in Military Operations
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PRNewswire: Hawkeye Systems releases comments on the U.S. special operations raid that killed the Islamic State militant group's top terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was identified through a combination of A.I. facial recognition technology and DNA analysis.The US Special Operations Command's (SOCOM) use of A.I. facial recognition technology assisted in reducing several high-risk factors associated with the mission. Military officials and personnel declared the mission a success, which were also backed up by live surveillance feeds used to inform national security advisers of Special Operations efforts.
The military operation comes at a critical point where technology will begin to play a role in differentiating U.S. military capabilities globally. Imaging technology and powerful camera systems are essential to subdue threats and identify possible terrorists. With the increased adoption of AI systems in the military sector, the industry will be even more capable of differentiating between high-risk factors and non-threats.
"We are pleased to see the military leveraging camera technology with the use of facial recognition software," said Corby Marshall, founder and CEO of Hawkeye Systems. "Our recent CRADA agreement with the Department of Defense further exemplifies the necessity of AI-enabled camera systems, which not only improve training efficacy, but will also improve targeting, surveillance and recon for military leaders."
Hawkeye Systems' AXA camera system is equipped with volumetric capture and light field capture, which allows a wider field of view and superior real-time image processing capabilities. The AXA is intended to provide the military with a 360-degree, user-defined and customized, field of view in real-time that is exportable to multiple users or group outputs through various platforms simultaneously.
Facial Recognition in Military Operations
Image Sensors World Go to the original article...
PRNewswire: Hawkeye Systems releases comments on the U.S. special operations raid that killed the Islamic State militant group's top terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was identified through a combination of A.I. facial recognition technology and DNA analysis.The US Special Operations Command's (SOCOM) use of A.I. facial recognition technology assisted in reducing several high-risk factors associated with the mission. Military officials and personnel declared the mission a success, which were also backed up by live surveillance feeds used to inform national security advisers of Special Operations efforts.
The military operation comes at a critical point where technology will begin to play a role in differentiating U.S. military capabilities globally. Imaging technology and powerful camera systems are essential to subdue threats and identify possible terrorists. With the increased adoption of AI systems in the military sector, the industry will be even more capable of differentiating between high-risk factors and non-threats.
"We are pleased to see the military leveraging camera technology with the use of facial recognition software," said Corby Marshall, founder and CEO of Hawkeye Systems. "Our recent CRADA agreement with the Department of Defense further exemplifies the necessity of AI-enabled camera systems, which not only improve training efficacy, but will also improve targeting, surveillance and recon for military leaders."
Hawkeye Systems' AXA camera system is equipped with volumetric capture and light field capture, which allows a wider field of view and superior real-time image processing capabilities. The AXA is intended to provide the military with a 360-degree, user-defined and customized, field of view in real-time that is exportable to multiple users or group outputs through various platforms simultaneously.